Media Release
NSW man charged over alleged role in failed $91 million meth import
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force
Editor’s note: Arrest vision and images available via Hightail.
A Hunter region man is scheduled to appear before Penrith Local Court today (28 March, 2025) over his alleged role in a scheme to import 99kg of methamphetamine from China.
The AFP began an investigation in October, 2024 after a consignment labelled ‘universal transmission gears’ arrived in Sydney from China.
Australian Border Force (ABF) examiners detected the methamphetamine hidden inside four boxes. The illicit substance was removed, and the consignment was then delivered to a self-storage facility in the western Sydney suburb of Girraween.
On 3 January, 2025, two men allegedly accessed the storage unit holding the consignment.
The AFP allegedly observed the charged man, 39, handling associated boxes and wrapping.
On 30 January, 2025, AFP officers executed a search warrant at the man’s Raymond Terrace home. They seized items including a mobile phone, cash, a replica firearm, prohibited weapons and suspected drugs.
The man was charged with one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to subsections 11.1(1) and 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
The second man observed at the storage unit has not been charged.
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said the methamphetamine – which had been valued about $91 million - equated to about 990,000 street-level deals.
“Methamphetamine is a devastating drug, and the harm it causes extends beyond the user to impact their loved ones and the wider community,” Det Supt Fogarty said.
“Criminals will stop at nothing to import harmful drugs into Australia to fill their pockets, and are indifferent to the harm they cause.”
Acting ABF Superintendent Michael Ferguson said ABF officers worked around the clock to detect, deter and disrupt criminal activity at our borders and stop anyone trying to import illicit substances into Australia.
“The ABF uses a range of sophisticated methodologies and techniques to detect drug shipments, as criminals attempt new ways to import drugs across the border,” a/Supt Ferguson said.
“Methamphetamine has a devastating effect on the community, and our ABF officers will continue to work tirelessly to do their part in keeping it off Australian streets.”
Note to media
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.
